1000 Steps Beach is located in South Laguna Beach. Access to the beach is by a steep stairway from Pacific Coast Highway. The trip down to the beach is quick and easy; the trip back up is strenuous even though there are only about 200 steps, not the thousand steps the name implies. The beach gets its name from the length of the beach, not the stairs.
Once down on the sand, visitors are treated to a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by a steep bluff with magnificent ocean-view homes. During the summer season, there is a lifeguard on duty. There are a restroom and showers to wash salt water after a dip in the ocean.
For many years 1000 Steps Beach was a quiet locals-only destination, but due to social media, the beach is now best known for the “not so secret” 1000 steps saltwater pools that can be found south of the steps.
Head south from the sea cave’s steps to reach the concrete saltwater pools at 1000 steps. The cave is flooded at high tide when the water level is up. It is a dangerous place to be.
Enter the sea cave, if safe, and once you’re through the cave, you need to climb over a few cliffs and a small beach to the pools. Signs are posted with no trespassing. Most people ignore the signs and head straight to the pools. The pools are on private property, so you take the risk of getting a ticket or being chased off, but it’s worth the chance to see this fantastic place.
The not-so-secret saltwater pools can get crowded, especially on the weekends. During the summer, lifeguards may not let people pass through the caves; social media may have ruined this hidden gem. Arrive early before lifeguards go on duty or visit during the offseason.
1000 Steps Beach is a Laguna Beach hidden gem. Even if you do not venture to the saltwater pools, it is well worth the effort to visit this fantastic Southern California beach.
Before you go 1000 Steps Beach Salt Water Pools
- Check tide tables before you go. The Saltwater Pools have the best access at low tide.
- Be prepared and wear footwear. Rocks are sharp and slippery. One misstep, and you can fall.
- The entrance to the cave may be posted off-limits by the lifeguard.
- Free street parking can be found along Pacific Coast Highway and side streets.
- Location: 9th Street and Pacific Coast Highway. South of the hospital and north of Aliso Beach.
More Things To Do In Laguna Beach
Most visitors travel to Laguna Beach to enjoy its seven miles of beautiful coastline. When first arriving in Laguna Beach, travelers are greeted by the 1930s lifeguard tower that watches over the sand activities at Main Beach.
I question the term of “private property” for the pools bc from my understanding of the mean high tide rule non of that property is private. There is no such thing as private beach property. It’s all open to the public unless it’s on navy property.
Cool place thx for the info. Go there at low tide or the cave will be flooded.